The principle tissues that moves water and minerals from roots to shoots is the:

The principle tissues that moves water and minerals from roots to shoots is the:

• A. Phloem
• B. Xylem
• C. Petiole
• D. Epidermis

Answer: (B)

Water and minerals move from roots to shoots through xylem, the tissue specialized for long-distance water transport. Xylem forms continuous tubes from the roots up through the stems into the leaves and is made of dead cells (tracheids and vessel elements) that create hollow conduits for water flow. The ascent is driven mainly by transpiration from the leaves, which generates a pull (cohesion-tension) that draws water upward; root pressure and capillary action can assist, especially at times of low transpiration. Minerals are taken up by the roots and loaded into the xylem with the water, so both water and dissolved minerals travel together upward. In contrast, phloem carries sugars and other organic nutrients, not the upward transport of water and minerals from roots. The petiole is simply the leaf stalk, and the epidermis is the outer protective tissue.

Water and minerals move from roots to shoots through xylem, the tissue specialized for long-distance water transport. Xylem forms continuous tubes from the roots up through the stems into the leaves and is made of dead cells (tracheids and vessel elements) that create hollow conduits for water flow. The ascent is driven mainly by transpiration from the leaves, which generates a pull (cohesion-tension) that draws water upward; root pressure and capillary action can assist, especially at times of low transpiration. Minerals are taken up by the roots and loaded into the xylem with the water, so both water and dissolved minerals travel together upward. In contrast, phloem carries sugars and other organic nutrients, not the upward transport of water and minerals from roots. The petiole is simply the leaf stalk, and the epidermis is the outer protective tissue.